San Francisco Places to visit/Vern Tardell

In N Out Burger is a must when in CA, AZ, or NV.

I agree about Alcatraz being touristy. It's really a cool experience, but that giftshop is over the top. That giftshop is the first time I ever felt like a tourist (****er).

 

Sounds like a good plan but I have a few suggestions. There is not much to see at the Winchester House. The Blackhawk Museum is not like the Petersen and for me at least is only a 1 hour max deal. I suggest that you visit Vern Tardell on that day also as he is very close to San Francisco. On the way to Vern is the town of Petaluma where they filmed American Graffiti and yes, you can follow in Milner's footsteps. Very cool and at least for me it was quite an experience.
The Grand Canyon Skywalk was a bust in my opinion. The Indians will milk you for a lot of money and it takes forever. Think hours on dirt roads as the way to the attraction is not paved
It is more fun to follow old Hwy66 north out of Kingman until it finally connects with I40 past the town of Seligmann. Very nice drive for car Guys. Then take I40 back to the 93 to get to Prescott.
Good luck on your tour and have fun!
VonWegener

 

I've heard story or two from KIRK! about the Castro District from his days there working for Joe Boxer, They're awesome!

 

How did no one mention Brizio street rods what an incredible shop! and amazing cars right next door is Sanderson headers great people and purveyors of awesome burritos! Oh and I think they do exhaust work to?

DOH!! Someone already did mention Brizio so Ill toss in a few more if in downtown SF is specialties bakery off market and new montgomery wow awesome cookies and if your in the mood for some of the best hot dog action ever Ben Franks off of wipple on 101 in san jose is off the hook! Oh and The Rodders Journal is based in SF and I hear Garage magazine does its release parties in SF but I dunno if either do tours or allow the common folk in for the festivities? There is also a Bar in downtown SF with a whole collection of indian harley davidson and other notable marks just hanging /laying around the bar cant think of the name or street ill check around see if I can come up with it

 

Like all foreigners you guys are probably filthy rich but just in case you are not may I recommend the Motel6 chain of motels all over the US. Especially in San Francisco where it is very expensive to stay overnight these places are a godsent. I prefer the Motel6 in Fremont close to where the Dragstrip used to be. It is west of the 880 Fwy at Mowry Blvd exit and a wonderful breakfast restaurant is close by on the other side of the 880 also on Mowry. the place is called The Country Way and their TriTip Steak and eggs special is the best deal in the bay area. Hope this helps. If you need any more ***istance let me know. I have been everywhere twice
VonWegener

 

It wouldn't be the same with out you big ***y!!!!!!!!!!!!
Also forgot to mention In Sacramento is one freakin awsome train museum!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lots of steam engines

 

Tiny's right about the train museum in Sac. but also there's the Towe Auto museum
http://toweautomuseum.org/
and Sac. Vintage Ford is worth an hour as well.

 

A big thanks to everybody for all the tips we will be making some changes following your advise. Motel 6 is already been booked for all the nights except Las Vegas it was real easy we just emailed the head office and they had it done in minutes.

We have booked the Luxor in Vegas, its the one and only splurge on motels, Ive been there before and was impressed.

I havent heard the sheep call Daddy when they see Kirk, they simply run with there ****s puckered heading for the hills.

That said he has been and is a fantastic represen***ive for the USA and rodding when he's here in NZ

 

Seriously. Let me know if you want to stop by Goodguys and check it out.

 

Book your Alcatraz trip before you get there if you can or maybe very early in the morning if at all possible. I have lived here 20 years and made 2 separate attempts to go when family was in town to only be shot down both times with all trips for the day already booked up. Still never been yet. But, I do get to see it whenever I want just looking out the windows. Oh well, maybe some day.

Just go out to the ocean and cruise up/down Hwy 1 if you do nothing else.

DO NOT eat at tourist restaurants unless you want overpriced **** food. Just go on Yelp or something to find the good local stuff. Good food all over the place about every part of the city and around bay area if you make even the tiniest, slightest effort to avoid the easy **** stuff, plenty of it very cheap too if you are careful.

 

Mmmm....sheep!

 

if ya do plan on hittin San Jose, you guys are welcome to come over my Hot Rod shop..
And Im sure i can round up some Gearheads and maybe have a BBQ/Carshow..
also, I have a full Bar for us Drunkers
Cheers!

 

Found this on the web about the American graffiti film locations in Petaluma near Tardell:

http://www.americangraffiti.net/movie_locations.html

 

After spending all day digging ****** post holes in the blazzing sun it was way cool to sit down and find all this cool information and kind offers. I will be sending some PM's out tonight. Thanks heaps Peter

 

That sounds like a great time!

Oh, kinda dumb but, and last time we were there we stayed at the Nikko Hotel - It's a Japanese hotel.. The resteraunt had the best damn oatmeal I have ever had.

- Joe

 

If ya make it out to Vern's, That's where you'll find Keith as he's back with his dad.
If in LA, roll on out to Downey as Hopup Jalop recs, Visit us there at the former HARVEY'S, now Bob's Big Boy Broiler. PM me when you're in town.
www.bob'sbigbroiler.com

 

sounds like one hell of a trip Pete ! , hope theres enuff beer in America for these boys !

 

I would highly recommend visiting the USS Pampanito and the SS Jeremiah O'Brian.
here is a direct link.
http://uss-pampanito.visit-san-francisco.com/

Nothing wrong with being touristy. If I was coming from that far away, I'd want to see all the cool stuff that the locals just take for granted...
Enjoy,

Steve

 

The bar James mentioned above (with the motorcycles hanging from the ceiling) is called Rickenbacker's on Second Street. Very cool place, decent food, and, if I remember correctly, one of the few places you can smoke in anymore (if you're into that). I've lived in San Francisco for about a decade and would be happy to help out with any food/drink recommendations in the city if you'd like.

 

Not really a tourist destination but if you are looking for parts and are in the area I would stop by:

Don's Antique Auto Parts. 37337 Niles Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536
- or -
All ford parts

1600 Dell Ave
Campbell, CA 95008 map
district: Campbell

Tel. +1 408.378.1934

 

There's nothing like slurping clam chowder out of a scooped out half loaf of bread at Fishermans Wharf!
Cheap clothes in the Mexican Quarter.

 

If any of your group gets the chance to take the helicopter trip out of Vegas into the Grand Canyon, it is the experience of a lifetime.